The Fighter Pilot Podcast: A Veterans Day Tribute

Throughout the month of November, veterans and those still serving in their nation’s militaries around the world are honored for their courage and sacrifices.

Here in the United States, military veterans are recognized specifically on Veterans Day on Nov. 11, a federal holiday originating from Armistice Day that commemorated the official cessation of hostilities of World War I.

A military-themed show like The Fighter Pilot Podcast would not be possible without veterans who first served in uniform and then shared their experiences with our audience.

So this Veterans Day, we’re taking a walk down memory lane, revisiting some of our most memorable episodes from among the nearly 300 in our catalog as we wrap up our seventh year in podcasting.

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World War II

When we debuted in 2018, we were a bit late to feature any military aviators from World War I. But it has been our honor to feature four World War II veterans. Sadly, each of these four guests have since passed away, but we are glad to capture their incredible stories.

• Lt. Col. Crawford Hicks, U.S. Air Force (ret.), a former B-17 Flying Fortress pilot (Ep. 64)
• Capt. Marshall Hannah, U.S. Air Force (former), a former P-38 Lightning pilot (Ep. 108)
• Col. Clarence “Bud” Anderson, U.S. Air Force (ret.), a former P-51 Mustang pilot (Ep. 116)
• Capt. Art Palmer, U.S. Air Force (ret.), a former B-24 Liberator pilot (‘Hobo to Hero’)

Korean War

Less than a decade after the conclusion of World War II came the Korean War.

• Lt. (j.g.) Dale Berven, U.S. Navy (former), a former F-9 Panther pilot (Ep. 137)
• Lt. Col. Jim “Skinny” McLennen, U.S. Air National Guard (retired), a former F-86 Sabre pilot (Ep. 86)

Cold War

Besides the Korean War, the 1950s saw the world plunge ever deeper into the Cold War, which lasted for almost the next five decades.

• Lt. Col. Ray Janes, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former F-102 Delta Dagger pilot (Ep. 102)
• Col. Michael “Lips” Phillips, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former U-2 Dragon Lady pilot (Ep. 93)
• Maj. Brian “Punchy” Shul, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former SR-71 Blackbird pilot (Ep. 51)
• Capt. Bob Jellison, U.S. Navy (ret.), former A-5 Vigilante pilot (Ep. 63)

Vietnam War

The Cold War went hot, by proxy, in the mid-1960s into the early 1970s, and we have been honored to feature many veterans of the Vietnam War.

• Lt. Bill “Willy D” Driscoll, U.S. Navy (ret.), former F-4 Phantom II radar intercept officer (Ep. 9)
• Cmdr. Jerry “Turkey” Tucker, U.S. Navy (ret.), former F-8 Crusader pilot (Ep. 50)
• Cmdr. Curt “Dozo” Dose, U.S. Navy (ret.), former F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat pilot (Ep. 175)
• Capt. Jack “Fingers” Ensch, U.S. Navy (ret.), former F-4 Phantom II radar intercept officer and prisoner of war (Eps. 52 and 53)
• Capt. George Marrett, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former A-1 Skyraider pilot (Ep. 92)
• Col. John Morrissey, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former F-105 Thunderchief pilot (Ep. 105)
• 1st Lt. Bob “LZ” Strang, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former C-7 Caribou pilot (Ep. 161)

Operation Desert Storm

Two decades after the jungles of Vietnam, American forces found themselves fighting in the sands of Iraq, and here on the show we have featured several Desert Storm veterans.

• Capt. Nick “Mongo” Mongolio, U.S. Navy, F/A-18 Hornet pilot (Ep. 17)
• CW04 Tim Settle, U.S. Army, AH-64 Apache pilot (Ep. 90)
• Maj. Robert Donaldson, Michigan Air National Guard (ret.), F-117 Nighthawk pilot (Ep. 72)

Global War on Terrorism

Finally, the Global War on Terrorism has yielded many veterans who have joined us here on the show.

• Maj. Travis “Jyahoon” Denny, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, AH-1 Cobra pilot (Ep 119)
• Col. Craig Walker, U.S. Air Force, AC-130 gunship pilot (Ep. 80)
• Lt. Col. Dan “Killjoy” Martin, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper operator (Ep. 193.5)
• Cmdr. Dan “Rainman” Warren, U.S. Coast Guard (Ep. 69)

Here at The Fighter Pilot Podcast, we honor all U.S. military veterans and salute the Canadian, Australian, French, and British service members who are also recognized this month in their home countries.

To all of them, on behalf of our audience, thank you for your service. And to you, the audience, thank you for listening to The Fighter Pilot Podcast.

Happy Veterans Day.

Follow and Subscribe to The Fighter Pilot Podcast:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube